National

Feds applaud Labour's pledge

Federated Farmers is applauding Labour’s commitment to protect productive farmland if re-elected.

Resource consent to convert productive farmland

If elected next term, Labour says it will require resource consent for any conversion of highly productive farmland into forestry.

Primary sector confidence re-emerges — bank survey

While most of New Zealand’s economy has taken a hit in the wake of Covid-19, the country’s primary sector has had a resurgence of confidence.

Landowners to be contacted following aerial inspections

Seven landowners will be contacted following Environment Southland’s first aerial compliance inspection this year.

Give Rural NZ a share of $3b infrastructure spend — Feds

Federated Farmers has some advice for how the Government should divvy up the $3 billion infrastructure fund.

Beef + Lamb ‘scaremongering’ — forestry group

‘Slanted and scaremongering’ is how the Southern North Island Wood Council describes Beef + Lamb NZ’s figures on forestry conversions.

Parker dropped the EU FTA ball – Nats

Don’t blame the European Union for its “unacceptable” offer to NZ agriculture in current FTA negotiations, blame David Parker, says National's trade spokesman.

Farm Debt Mediation a useful backstop — Feds

Farmers are throwing their support behind the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme.

Scheme for financially distressed farmers

A debt mediation scheme to help farmers in financial distress deal with their lenders starts today.

Lapdog needs more teeth — Fonterra farmers

Fonterra shareholders have delivered a damning assessment of their elected Shareholders Council.

Grief over grain drain

A whole generation of farmers don’t seem to know about the advantages of feeding NZ-grown grain to livestock, claims Jeremy Talbot.

Overwhelming support for continuing seed levy

The Non-Proprietary and Uncertified Herbage Seeds Levy order will continue for another six years.

ETS changes a ‘slap in the face’

Farming groups have described the newly passed emissions trading reform legislation as a ‘slap in the face’ that will not reduce the country’s carbon emissions.

COVID-19: Outlook for NZ primary exports uncertain

More uncertainty and challenges are the theme of MPI’s latest publication on the outlook for the primary sector.

Pork sector facing staff shortages

With a lack of overseas workers, New Zealand’s pork sector is calling on the government for urgent action.

Sheep and beef on-farm inflation low

Sheep and beef farm input prices rose at a very slow pace in the year to March 2020.

Regenerative ag’s ‘mythology’ questioned

The “mythology” of regenerative agriculture and lack of scientific evidence has prompted two renowned plant scientists to write to Ag Minister Damien O’Connor.

Ag will be sticking point in UK FTA

A free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the United Kingdom will likely not be straight forward.

Drought impact to continue

There is not going to be any significant feed grown in Hawkes Bay until spring, according to former special agriculture trade envoy Mike Petersen.

Red meat sector releases election manifesto

Vote Red – meat!

Meat sector speaking out in manifesto

The red meat sector has published an election manifesto to help offer decision-makers a complete understanding of the sector.

Farmers up their game

A Waikato environmentalist who led a public campaign against poor winter grazing practices on Southland farms says farmers are making improvements.

Fonterra risks losing $300m in annual revenue

Fonterra has told its farmer shareholders that on-farm sustainability must improve further or the co-op could lose $300 million of annual business from key customers.